Model tested: Porsche Boxster S Sport 3.4 6-speed manual
Price: £43,110
Date tested: May 2008
Road tester: Stuart Milne

Overall rating: 87%
The Boxster leads the way when it comes to small two-seat sportscars with impeccable handling. The standard Boxster is the cheapest way into new Porsche ownership and its rock solid used values makes it even easier to justify the expense.

1. Looks
The Boxster is an exceptionally pretty car; a facelift in 2004 keeps it in front. The front end is virtually indistinguishable from the 911, but the rear has a look of its own.
9/10

2. Looks inside
The interior is immediately identifiable as a Porsche; the materials used and the quality of construction are first rate, with most surfaces covered in neatly-stitched leather.
9/10

3. Practicality
The Boxster has a useful 280 litres of storage space. The rear boot is shallow, but its 130 litres is big enough for the weekly shop; the 150-litre front boot stretches from the bonnet to the floor. A few storage spaces in the cabin are very handy.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
The Boxster's chassis is a masterpiece, offering more grip and feedback the faster you drive. The mid-engined layout means almost perfect weight distribution and superb traction out of bends. High-speed stability is aided by a pop-up spoiler which rises automatically at 75mph.
10/10

5. Performance
The 295bhp 3.4-litre engine is sensational; it's incredibly tractable and can hit 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds, before reaching 169mph. Tiptronic-equipped cars are slightly slower.
10/10

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6. Running Costs
Expect 60-65% of the car's value to be retained after three years/36,000 miles. Servicing is expensive, while insurance (group 20) and road tax (band G - £400) are steep, as are the fuel bills – you'll struggle to average 30mpg.
7/10

7. Reliability
As exciting sports cars go, few feel better built. Just watch for signs of a used example being a trackday regular and signs of crash damage. Only the Perspex wind deflector felt fragile.
9/10

8. Safety
No EuroNCAP results are available, but all models come with ESP, a head airbag, plus driver, passenger and a pair of side 'bags. Roll-over protection is offered by two roll bars behind the seats.
8/10

9. Equipment
All Boxsters feature alloy wheels, 'welcome home' headlamps, electric windows, air-con, partial electric seat adjustment, water-repellent side windows, heated windscreen washer nozzles, a CD player and a trip computer. The S adds half-leather upholstery and a six-speed gearbox.
7/10

10. X-Factor
It's a Porsche well within the reach of the average petrolhead. And one of the best handling cars available at any price.
10/10